Cliveden House is a privately owned 5 Red Star award-winning hotel located in the sunny and rural countryside of Berkshire. A hotel with over 350 years history which has been in countless publications for as long as anyone can remember referencing to its families, the people visiting it, debaucherous parties and scandalous affairs. There’s even a book about the latter. Built in 1666 by the 2nd Duke of Buckingham as a gift to his mistress, Cliveden House Hotel has remained one of Britain’s finest country house hotels ever since.
Arriving at this Grade I stately home really does command a stop and gasp wow moment. It’s so impressive from the outside and so grand you just know it’s going to be special from the moment you arrive. Car parked, bags whisked away to our room and a very swift check-in process. The magic of Cliveden House started to unfold.
Arriving at the hotel early we decided to explore its grounds first given how lucky we were with the weather. A beautiful 25 degrees. As you enter the building you’re greeted by a gorgeous lounge area which makes up part of the lobby and a fabulous bar which opens up onto the estates magnificent terrace.
And here is that terrace. Plus a few photos of me. The huge terrace looks out over the entire grounds of the estate and on a sunny day its marvellous. You can see high above the trees and across to the River Thames, with an injection of colour almost everywhere the eye meets. A total of 376 acres of formal gardens and woodlands, plus the panoramic views over the Berkshire countryside. It doesn’t get much better than this.
The grounds are owned, managed and cared for by the National Trust so although hotel guest get the privilege of enjoying them the most, the general public can also access the gardens during specific times and it’s a really great day out. The gardens feature the celebrated Parterre, season-long floral displays, distinctive topiary and a collection of exceptional sculptures. There’s also a rose garden hidden away to the side of the property which smells amazing.
See if you can find the hotels hidden terrace too, it’s a real find and very tranquil seeming that most guest aren’t even aware of its existence which was lucky for us!
The hotel is also home to a fabulous newly renovated spa which is hidden behind the brick walls of the garden. Relax poolside in the famous ‘Profumo’ pool; the last remaining listed outdoor pool in England – which is perfectly heated in Winter. A state-of-the-art gym, outdoor hot tubs, indoor Jacuzzi and swimming pool – as well as treatment rooms galore and a spa kitchen for a cheeky glass of something sparkling or light snack. If there was one reason to convince you a visit to this grand hotel – the spa has to be it surely.
After finishing up in the spa, it was time to check into our room! We didn’t quite know what room we were staying in but once we arrived in the Garden Wing, I had a pretty good idea. With views over the spa garden, our deluxe double room was decorated in a gorgeous traditional styles and with so much space. Champagne was chilling on the table, fresh fruit platter waiting to be devoured and a bed so comfy you quite literally sink into it.
The en-suite bathroom was spectacular too. A huge walk-in shower, deep bathtub and Asprey toiletries. The classic artwork around the bath was so beautiful and really put this bathroom into one of my top 10 ever.
The biggest surprise for me was not what was in the room (though of course that bathroom was incredible) – but a private outdoor hot tub! Our deluxe room was in fact a deluxe room with private hot tub. If you know me well you’ll know I have an addiction to these warm bubbly pools and so I really was in my element. We took that bottle of Champagne, poured a glass and relaxed. As well as ordering a little room service for extra indulgence and all enjoyed in the hot tub.
Some”checking my nails are dry” posing and a cocktails later it was time for the part I was so excited about. Dinner!
In total the hotel has three areas for dining. One is the simple, but perfectly executed Astor Grill offering meats and seafood galore which you can read all about HERE. A magnificent gold dining room for private functions and banquets, as well as the hotels main restaurant – André Garrett. A spectacular dining experience full of romance, delicious dishes and impeccable wine pairings. Read all about my full experience of this destination restaurant.
We really didn’t want to leave our room the following morning and woke up extra early for one last swim in the pool and a some tea & coffee in the hot tub. A very well spent morning in my opinion.
Cliveden House Hotel really is a place of beauty and unlike many other hotels in the UK. It has rooms to please every taste, restaurants for every palate and a sense of luxury that seems to come without any effort at all. No effort is spared for customers and they really will do everything in their power here to make every guest feel special, as I know we felt it. If you’re looking for a luxury staycation or simply a romantic getaway – Cliveden House Hotel has it all. It’s only an hour from London too which makes it even more accessible for people like me and an excuse to return much sooner, rather than later.
NB: My stay was complimentary. All views are as always, my own. My views are not influenced by anyone other than my own palate and slightly poor eyesight.
Cliveden is one of the most beautiful hotels I’ve ever stayed in. Love that you’re including more pictures of you!
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it’s gorgeous and thanks!